Canadian Fertility Show at the International Centre

By Lori Bosworth

Many people struggle with fertility issues. In fact, 1 in 6 Canadian couples deal with fertility concerns and many don’t know where to turn to get up-to-date information. The first-ever Canadian Fertility Show is taking place at the International Centre in Mississauga on April 14, 2018. Coordinated by Dr. Jodie Peacock, a Naturopathic Doctor based out of Oakville, the show features 19 speakers and 40 exhibitors sharing information about fertility, IVF, surrogacy and other related topics. Visitors will get a chance to talk to MDs, NDs and other fertility experts. (Our giveaway has now closed…see winners’ names below.) 

The show will appeal to those who are struggling to have a family or those considering having children, including both heterosexual and same sex couples, as well as single people wishing to become parents. You will be able to learn from experts in the fields of reproductive medicine, natural medicine and psychological support on the following topics:

• IVF and advances in innovative reproductive technologies;
• The optimal diet for improving the health of sperm or eggs;
• How to optimize your health and that of your future children;
• Options for egg and sperm donors as well as surrogacy;
• Emotional support for your fertility journey.

I spoke to Dr. Jodie Peacock via email to find out more about fertility issues and IVF:

LB: What are the most common causes of infertility in men and women?

JP: About 30% of cases are male factor with low sperm count, motility or morphology, 30% are female factor [and include] things like not ovulating, endometriosis, poor egg quality, and the rest are classified as unexplained – these often will improve with diet and lifestyle changes. There is some thought that the increase in toxin burden in our society, combined with waiting longer to have children plays a big role.

LB:  IVF treatments are expensive for most people. Although the Ontario government has introduced coverage for treatments, this does not cover the cost of expensive IVF drugs. Is IVF an option only for high-earning couples or individuals?

JP: [It] is a large expense for sure. The average cycle will cost around $12,000-$15,000. The government funded cycle covers the procedure, but not medications which will run around $4,000. Some people also have access to coverage for medications through work benefits programs.

LB: On average, how many IVF treatment cycles are required before a woman is impregnated?

JP: I believe the average is three cycles to achieve a pregnancy (but in Ontario there is no mandatory reporting of cycles or success so it is difficult to say for sure – this is based on what individual clinics report).

LB: Do IVF treatments pose any risks to the mother or child?

JP: Any procedures that involve surgery and medication can pose a risk. One of the more common concerns is hyperstimulation of the ovaries for the women as a result of the medications that are used.

LB: How does diet impact one’s fertility? What other factors affect one’s fertility?

JP: Diet can play a big role in improving both the quality of a female’s egg and male’s sperm. It can also help reduce inflammation, which is problematic in women with endometriosis. Major factors that affect fertility are toxicity levels, age, history of gynecological concerns, for example, blocked fallopian tubes.

LB: Although legal, traditional surrogacy is fraught with many problems. How common is gestational surrogacy in Canada?

JP: Surrogacy is common in Canada but with the reproductive bill, surrogates are not allowed to be paid for their service. This means it becomes a truly altruistic act. In some cases couples will have a difficult time finding a surrogate in Canada and will turn to the United States.

The Canadian Fertility Show takes place April 14, 2018 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the International Centre, 6900 Airport Road in Mississauga.

Tickets are $12 until April 8, 2018 and $15 after. Use Code CFS-LBTC to get 50% off tickets when you purchase online.

Our giveaway of tickets to the Canadian Fertility Show has closed, but you can get 50% off tickets purchased online by using this code: CFS-LBTC

This contest appears on Contest Canada